Pakistan has started test trials of latest upgrade of Type-99 main battle tank after unsatisfactory VT-4 (export version of MBT-3000) and Oplot-M (Ukrainian tank) tests.

After the tests will be decided which will be the basis for a tank army in the period from 2017 to 2025.

Defense experts also have welcomed the new development as the new MBT would be an ideal and cheap replacement for Pakistan Army’s ageing second-line Fleets of T80UD , Al-Zarrar, Type 85 ,Type 69 and Type 59 Main Battle Tanks.

The Type 99 is a third-generation main battle tank (MBT) fielded by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. It is one of many Chinese variants of the T-72 since it incorporates the autoloader, advanced Russian armor, hull, and the main gun from the Russian tank.

The new tank also has to be a response to the Indian T-90MS. India has started talks with Russia for the purchase of T-90MS main battle tanks.